"i would love to live like a river flows, carried by the surprise of its own unfolding."
— john o'donohue

Thursday, February 12, 2009

the art of disappearing

by: naomi shihab nye

"when they say, don’t i know you?say no.

when they invite you to the partyremember what parties are likebefore answering.someone telling you in a loud voicethey once wrote a poem.greasy sausage balls on a paper plate.then reply.

if they say, we should get together.say why?

it’s not that you don’t love them anymore.you’re trying to remember somethingtoo important to forget.trees. the monastery bell at twilight.tell them you have a new project.it will never be finished.

when someone recognizes you in a grocery storenod briefly and become a cabbage.when someone you haven’t seen in ten yearsappears at the door,don’t start singing him all your new songs.you will never catch up.

walk around feeling like a leaf.know you could tumble any second.then decide what to do with your time."

Bodhisattva:

About Me

2007-2008: ...and so, for her thirtieth year, she is embarking upon a pilgrimage abroad...teaching english at a university in south korea, making her way to ancient buddhist temples nestled high in the mountains where monks and nuns rise early to chant and pray, relying on the kindness of strangers and a lightness of heart, and meeting challenges and fears along the way that she is ever-so-ready to befriend.
2008-2009: ...and now, for a second year, she is returning to korea....to her high rise sanctuary and an abundance of red pepper paste...to a vibrant, growing community of friends, students and colleagues...to not a day going by without some measure of surprise and unexpected kindness.
herein lies her journey...